Varicella vaccination. An overview for the occupational health nurse

1. Varicella-zoster virus is highly communicable. Non-immune adults are susceptible to infection and, if infected, have increased risk of complications. 2. Adult varicella infection poses significant economic loss for the infected employee and potentially for exposed coworkers and the employer. Health care employers also must be concerned about transmission of varicella infection to clients. 3. Varicella vaccine is now available, well tolerated, and prevents infection in approximately 94% of vaccinees. The occupational health nurse needs to consider varicella vaccination for employees susceptible to infection.